This album, released on September 2, 2016, under the CORO label, is a comprehensive collection of sacred choral works by the esteemed British composer Edmund Rubbra. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes, this album showcases Rubbra's mastery of vocal composition, featuring a diverse range of motets and a complete mass setting.
The album opens with the Nine Tenebrae Motets, Op. 72, a series of reflective and contemplative pieces that explore themes of sorrow, betrayal, and redemption. These motets are followed by the Three Motets, Op. 76, which offer a more uplifting and celebratory tone, culminating in the powerful "Except the Lord Build the House."
The Five Motets, Op. 37, present a mix of introspective and exultant pieces, including the stirring "A Hymn to God the Father" and the evocative "A Song." The album concludes with the Missa Cantuariensis, Op. 59, a grand and majestic mass setting that demonstrates Rubbra's skill in crafting intricate and harmonious choral textures.
Throughout the album, Rubbra's unique voice and deep understanding of choral writing are evident, making this a compelling exploration of his sacred choral output. The performances by The Sixteen, conducted by Harry Christophers, are impeccable, bringing out the full richness and depth of Rubbra's compositions. This album is an essential addition to any fan of choral music or those looking to explore the works of Edmund Rubbra.
(C) 2016 The Sixteen Productions(P) 2016 The Sixteen Productions Ltd
Tracks
Nine Tenebrae Motets, Op. 72 First Nocturne: I. In monte OlivetiEdmund Rubbra, Kirsty Hopkins, Kim Porter, Mark Dobell, Harry Christophers
Nine Tenebrae Motets, Op. 72 First Nocturne: II. Tristis est anima meaEdmund Rubbra, Kirsty Hopkins, Harry Christophers
Nine Tenebrae Motets, Op. 72 First Nocturne: III. Ecce vidimus eumEdmund Rubbra, The Sixteen / Harry Christophers, Harry Christophers
Three Motets, Op. 76: I. Let Us Now Praise Famous MenEdmund Rubbra, Daniel Collins, Robert Quinney, Harry Christophers
Three Motets, Op. 76: II. There is a SpiritEdmund Rubbra, Julie Cooper, Harry Christophers
Three Motets, Op. 76: III. Except the Lord Build the HouseEdmund Rubbra, The Sixteen / Harry Christophers, Harry Christophers
Nine Tenebrae Motets, Op. 72 Second Nocturne: I. Amicus meusEdmund Rubbra, The Sixteen / Harry Christophers, Harry Christophers
Nine Tenebrae Motets, Op. 72 Second Nocturne: II. Judas mercator pessimusEdmund Rubbra, Kirsty Hopkins, Kim Porter, Mark Dobell, Ben Davies, Harry Christophers
Nine Tenebrae Motets, Op. 72 Second Nocturne: III. Unus ex discipulisEdmund Rubbra, The Sixteen / Harry Christophers, Harry Christophers
Five Motets, Op. 37: I. EternitieEdmund Rubbra, The Sixteen / Harry Christophers, Harry Christophers
Five Motets, Op. 37: II. Vain Wits and EyesEdmund Rubbra, The Sixteen / Harry Christophers, Harry Christophers
Five Motets, Op. 37: III. A Hymn to God the FatherEdmund Rubbra, The Sixteen / Harry Christophers, Harry Christophers
Five Motets, Op. 37: IV. The SearchEdmund Rubbra, The Sixteen / Harry Christophers, Harry Christophers
Five Motets, Op. 37: V. A SongEdmund Rubbra, The Sixteen / Harry Christophers, Harry Christophers
Nine Tenebrae Motets, Op. 72 Third Nocturne: I. Eram quasi agnus innocensEdmund Rubbra, The Sixteen / Harry Christophers, Harry Christophers
Nine Tenebrae Motets, Op. 72 Third Nocturne: II. Una hora non potuistisEdmund Rubbra, The Sixteen / Harry Christophers, Harry Christophers
Nine Tenebrae Motets, Op. 72 Third Nocturne: III. Seniores populiEdmund Rubbra, The Sixteen / Harry Christophers, Harry Christophers
Missa Cantuariensis, Op. 59: I. KyrieEdmund Rubbra, The Sixteen / Harry Christophers, Harry Christophers
Missa Cantuariensis, Op. 59: II. ResponsesEdmund Rubbra, The Sixteen / Harry Christophers, Harry Christophers
Missa Cantuariensis, Op. 59: III. CredoEdmund Rubbra, Jeremy Budd, Eamonn Dougan, Harry Christophers
Missa Cantuariensis, Op. 59: IV. SanctusEdmund Rubbra, The Sixteen / Harry Christophers, Harry Christophers
Missa Cantuariensis, Op. 59: V. BenedictusEdmund Rubbra, The Sixteen / Harry Christophers, Harry Christophers
Missa Cantuariensis, Op. 59: VI. Agnus DeiEdmund Rubbra, The Sixteen / Harry Christophers, Harry Christophers
Missa Cantuariensis Op. 59: VII. Gloria in excelsisEdmund Rubbra, The Sixteen / Harry Christophers, Harry Christophers
Charles Edmund Rubbra, born in Northampton in 1901, was a distinguished British composer whose works spanned a wide range of genres, though he is perhaps best known for his eleven symphonies. Rubbra's music, which reached its zenith of popularity in the mid-20th century, is characterised by its dramatic intensity and improvisatory spirit. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Rubbra never embraced the dodecaphonic style, instead forging his own unique compositional path. His extensive catalogue includes notable works such as the Viola Concerto in A Major, Op. 75, and his Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 85. Despite a decline in public recognition in recent decades, Rubbra's compositions continue to captivate those who seek out his music, offering a rich and emotive experience that stands the test of time.
Vinylscout
Edmund Rubbra
